The seven biggest schemes to watch out for in 2022 

Across the region, major projects aimed at boosting local economies, creating jobs, delivering homes and improving the lives of residents are taking shape. Here are the big ones to look out for next year.

Mayfield 

Landsec’s acquisition of U+I could be just what Mayfield needs. Credit: via planning documents

With Landsec having bought U+I for £190m, 2022 could be the year we see some movement on one of Manchester’s most eagerly anticipated developments.

The much-vaunted park element of the £1.4bn mixed-use project is moving along nicely and is due to complete next year, but the first tranche of buildings, totalling 320,000 sq ft of office space, have yet to start on site.

The city council will be hoping Landsec’s arrival on the scene could prompt funders to put their hands in their pockets and get the wheels turning. 

Piccadilly Gardens 

The construction budget for the competition is estimated to be around £25m. Credit: via Manchester City Council

Few projects are under as much scrutiny as the future of Manchester’s most famous area of public realm.

The much-maligned Piccadilly Gardens has been in need of a drastic overhaul for several years, and 2022 is due to be the year Manchester City Council appoints a design team for the project.

How exactly you solve a problem like Piccadilly Gardens remains to be seen, what results is unlikely the please everyone.

Hemisphere 

The office aims to be net zero in operation. Credit: Liverpool City Council

Liverpool’s parched office pipeline is due to receive a welcome glug of water in the form of Hemisphere, the latest development to come forward at Paddington Village.

Following the competition of the Spine earlier this year, Sciontec Developments has wasted no time in bringing forward its next office scheme.

Expect the 116,000 sq ft Hemisphere to move quickly through the planning system with a start on site scheduled towards the back end of 2022. 

Cumbrian energy 

The 16-day inquest ended in October. Credit: via planning documents

After a 16-day inquiry, the powers that be are debating whether to approve West Cumbria Mining’s plans for a £160m coal mine in Whitehaven. A decision is due in 2022.

First lodged in 2017, West Cumbria Mining’s proposals have caused controversy at a time when scrutiny of the environment and sustainability has never been more intense.

Elsewhere in Cumbria, a considerably greener source of energy is being coveted. Moorside was the only North West site to make the shortlist to host a groundbreaking £222m fusion energy prototype facility. The project has the potential to provide a virtually limitless supply of low-carbon energy.

Cumbria will find out if it has been successful in 2022. 

Big sales  

One Angel Square is let to Co-op until 2037. Credit: via Active Profile

Cheshire Oaks, Selfridges – including its 120,000 sq ft Manchester Exchange store – and Co-op’s One Angel Square HQ are all due to change hands next year.

Cheshire Oaks, the 350,000 sq ft outlet village was bought by Nuveen in 2016 as part of a three-centre deal totalling £365m. However, given the uncertain state of the retail market at present, it is unclear how much Nuveen will make on the sale.

The Weston family is set to sell Selfridges for an eye-watering £4bn with Thailand’s Central Group in line to snap it up.

One Angel Gardens is on the market for £210m, but this asking price might be dented due to the fact Co-op has just vacated 74,000 sq ft within the building. Avision Young has been appointed to find someone to fill that hole. 

One deal that wrapped up before the new year was The Pension Protection Fund’s £292m sale of One Hardman Boulevard in Manchester to tenant NatWest.

Eden North and Morecambe’s renaissance  

The scheme could be a catalyst for Morecambe’s regeneration. Credit: Eden Project North

After missing out on the £70m it asked the government for earlier this year, Eden Project is still looking for ways to pay for the £125m project.

Experts say the scheme – billed as a major new exemplar attraction showcasing sustainable design and reimagining the British seaside resort for the 21st century – could transform Morecambe’s fortunes and while funding is not yet secured, eagle-eyed developers are circling Morecambe for opportunities that might present themselves if and when Eden North comes to fruition. 

Shakespeare North 

The project is due to open this summer. Credit: via planning documents

The £27m Prescot project is slated for completion in the summer.

Designed by Helm Architecture the 30,000 sq ft Shakespeare North Playhouse is being built by Kier Construction. The 350-seat Jacobean timber-framed theatre also includes a study centre and an education and exhibition space.

The development has been funded by Knowsley Council, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and the Treasury, which are contributing £12m, £10m and £5m respectively.